Telecom Manager enstooled Benkumhene
Accra (Greater Accra)
27 March 2003- Professor Reginald Fraser Amonoo, Fellow of the Ghana Academy of
Arts and Sciences (GAAS), on Tuesday called for the adoption of Tata Dr Ephraim
Amu's "Yen Ara Asase Ni" as the official National Anthem.
He said the song,
which is the unofficial Anthem, was composed on the foundation of patriotism
and directed Ghanaians to cherish, value and defend the motherland. It also
reminds the new generation of the price the country's forebears paid in
building the nation, which they must uphold and build upon.
Prof. Amonoo was
delivering the fifth Ephraim Amu Memorial Lectures on the theme: "Music
and Moral Philosophy: Ephraim Amu's Compositions Revisited." He said the
current National Anthem was harmonized and orchestrated in United Kingdom, thus
making it a little distanced from the cultural perspective.
The lecture was
organized by the GAAS in collaboration with the National Theatre and the
International Centre for African Music and Dance of the University of Ghana,
Legon. Prof. Amonoo said: "I look forward to that day a government would
muster the political courage to change our National Anthem from "God Bless
our Homeland" to "This is our Homeland" - "Yen Ara Asase
Ni".
The 90-minute lecture
was beautifully blended with some selected rendition of Tata Amu's songs by a
massed choir comprising the Music Departments of University of Ghana,
University College of Education, Winneba and Presbyterian Church Choir of Abeka
and Madina conducted by Ms Misonu Amu, the Musicologist's daughter.
Tata Amu is said to
have combined the role of a musician with that of an educator, social critic
and cultural activist. The Legend used music to address traditional issues and
introduced innovations and progress, highlighted the role of patriotism in
nation building and the moral code of civil society.
Explaining the moral
philosophy of Tata Amu's compositions with some selected songs; Prof. Amonoo
said the musicologist demonstrated his Christian faith with songs such as
"Meto M'ani Mehwe Nnipa Asetram" and "Onipa Da Wo Ho So."
Tata Amu demonstrated
his patriotism with: "Yen Ara Asase Ni" and "Abibirima,"
(call on Africans); righteousness with "Dzodzoenyenye doa duko de
dzi" (righteousness exalts a nation) and praises to the ancestors and appreciation
of the past in "Akwaaba Ndwom", (welcome song); "Tete Wo Bi Ka, Tete
Wo Bi Kyere" (the past has something to teach and exhibit) and "San Befa".
Prof. Amonoo said
Tata Amu called for courage and good social behaviour in "Asem Yi Di
Ka", bravery and fortitude in "Hyiawu... Owu Nam Kwan So Reba",
"Odo Ye Wu" and "Animia". Prof. Amonoo said Tata Amu also
aspired for perfection in knowledge, religion and life and these were evidenced
in songs such as "Mom ma Yenko So Mforo," "Esrom Miele Be Miadi
Yesu" (We are learning to be like Jesus) and "Nenyo De Wo Dede"
(aim at perfection)
In a welcoming
address, Prof Komla Amoaku, Executive Director of the National Theatre, called
for the incorporation of African compositions into the educational curricula.
GRi.../
Send your comments to
viewpoint@ghanareview.com
Jachie (Ashanti
Region) 27 March 2003- Nana Kwadwo Agyapong, newly enstooled Benkumhene of
Jachie near Pramso, has stressed the need for absolute peace, stability and
unity in the country to promote rapid social and economic development.
He said nothing
should be done to derail the true democratic dispensation in the country and
asked Ghanaians to shun apathy and contribute meaningfully towards the
improvement of their living standard. Nana Agyapong was speaking after swearing
the oath of allegiance to Nana Kwaku Amoateng II, chief of Jachie in the
Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma district.
Known in private life
as Baffour Asare-Fordjour, Nana Agyapong, 60, was the Northern Regional manager
of the Ghana Telecom. He succeeded his late grandfather. Nana Agyapong pledged
to work to improve the socio-economic status of the area and called for
co-operation from the people.
Nana Amoateng
expressed the hope that "the vast experience, intelligence and the
knowledge" acquired by the Benkumhene would be adequately brought to bear
on the development efforts of the people.
GRi.../
Send your comments to
viewpoint@ghanareview.com